Elavil Dosage

The recommended starting Elavil dosage for treating depression is Elavil 75 mg daily, divided into two or three smaller doses. For most people, the maximum Elavil dose is 150 mg total daily. It can take up to four to six weeks to see the full effects of Elavil on your depression. A few of the factors that can affect Elavil dosing include your age, other medical conditions you may have, and other medications you may be currently taking.

 

An Overview of Elavil Doing

The dose of Elavil® (amitriptyline hydrochloride) your healthcare provider prescribes will vary depending on a number of factors, including:
 
  • Your age
  • The medical condition being treated
  • Other medical conditions you may have
  • Other medications you may be currently taking.
     
As always, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
 

Elavil Dosage for Depression

For treating depression, the starting dose is Elavil 75 mg total daily (divided into two or three smaller doses). Or instead of several doses a day, the starting dose can be Elavil 50 mg to 100 mg once a day at bedtime. The dose can be increased slowly if necessary. A starting dose of up to 100 mg is acceptable for people who are in the hospital.
 
For teenage depression or depression in the elderly, lower doses are recommended. A good starting dose for these people is 10 mg three times daily, or 25 mg once a day at bedtime.
 
Generally, Elavil should be started at a low dose (especially in the elderly) and increased slowly if necessary. The maximum dose for most people is 150 mg total daily. People who are in the hospital can take up to 300 mg per day.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;